The following watercraft title exemptions were removed from Indiana law effective July 1, 2016, and a watercraft meeting the following criteria must be titled prior to applying for a registration:

Watercraft purchased prior to January 1, 1986.

Homemade watercraft.

Watercraft valued under $3,000 when new.

A person who owns a watercraft that was exempt from the title requirements before July 1, 2016 is not required to apply for a certificate of title prior to selling the watercraft. The seller must provide a bill of sale to the purchaser.

Learn more about selling or purchasing a vehicle/watercraft in Indiana

Court Order Title Applications

If you are unable to establish ownership through any one of the available BMV title application processes, you must obtain a court order. Once you have received the court order, you may apply for a certificate of title through the BMV.

The Court Order Title Application Packet provides a detailed list of the documents required to be submitted with the application. Prior to submitting each application, verify that all required information is included.

Abandoned Watercraft Title Application

A marina operator may sell a watercraft that has been left without permission at the marina for more than six months and recover the operator’s reasonable maintenance, repair, dockage, storage, and other charges. Upon fulfilling the statutory obligations contained in IC 32-34-10, the marina operator may complete an Affidavit of Sale– Abandoned Watercraft - State Form 50634 to assign ownership to a purchaser without a certificate of title.

The Abandoned Watercraft Title Application Packet provides a detailed list of the documents required to be submitted with the application. Prior to submitting each application, verify that all required information is included.

Municipal and Law Enforcement Watercraft Title and Registration Application

Title and registration applications for municipal corporations, including law enforcement, must be processed by the BMV Central Office.

The Municipal Corporation and Law Enforcement Watercraft Title and Registration Application Packet provides a detailed list of the documents required to be submitted with the application. Prior to submitting each application, verify that all required information is included.

NON-RESIDENTS OF INDIANA

Out-of-State Watercraft Operated in Indiana

A watercraft is exempt from Indiana registration, excise tax, and fees if the watercraft is registered in another state and operated, used, or docked in Indiana for a combined total of fewer than 22 consecutive days in one year. If the watercraft will be operated, used, or docked in Indiana for more than 22 consecutive days, you must pay any required excise taxes and fees, including an out-of-state resident fee.

HIN APPLICATION

Application for Hull Identification Number (HIN)

All watercraft in Indiana must have a hull identification number (HIN) stamped or attached to the watercraft if operated on Indiana waterways. If the watercraft does not have an HIN, is assembled, or the HIN is changed, then an Application for Special Identification Number – Vehicle or Watercraft – State Form 12907 must be completed.

Applications for a special identification number are processed by the BMV Central Office. The Special Identification Number – HIN Watercraft Application Packet provides a detailed list of the documents required to be submitted with the application for title. Prior to submitting each application, verify that all required information is included.